System and Method for the Biological Diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: PTSD Electronic Device Application

Abstract

A system and method for the biological diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) comprises an electronic device equipped with a built-in or attachable camera, built-in or attachable flash or controllable light source, and a software application. The software application includes a method that records and monitors the diameter of an individual's pupil prior to and after the application of light, using the camera and flash in communication with the electronic device. In another embodiment, the method includes the use of emotionally-charged visual stimuli to increase the accuracy of the diagnosis. In still another embodiment, a heart rate monitor in communication with the electronic device is used to monitor the individual's heart rate variability to further increase the accuracy of the diagnosis. In still another embodiment, the method also measures the auditory startle response. The method analyzes the data collected and determines the likelihood the individual suffers from PTSD.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 62 / 000,060 filed May 19, 2014, to the extent allowed by law and to provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 979,599 filed Apr. 15, 2014, to the extent allowed by law.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a system and method for the biological diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and more particularly, to a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder biological diagnostic method implemented by a system that utilizes an electronic device, such as a computer or a mobile device, and attached peripherals, such as a camera, flash, heart rate monitor, digital monitor, ear lobe monitor, electroencephalogram (EEG) monitor, and bispectral index (BIS) monitor (another form of EEG), as well as additional add-ons. Further, the same device may be used to monitor the progress of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Post-Traumatic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]The system and method for the biological diagnosis of PTSD of the present invention comprises an electronic device, such as a computer or mobile device, equipped with a built-in camera or an attachable camera, a flash and / or other controllable light sources, and a software application for the analysis of data. The software application includes a method to measure a lessened or changed pupillary constrictive response to light, using either still images or video recording, that indicates that the individual suffers from PTSD. The accuracy of the diagnosis is increased by utilizing emotionally provocative visual stimuli, such as images or video of a mutilated body. To further increase the accuracy of using pupillary response, the individual's heart rate variability is monitored simultaneously, using a heart rate monitor, such as a digital finger monitor, ear lobe monitor, or the like.

Problems solved by technology

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a devastating and complex pathological anxiety condition that is characterized by severe distress and impairment in mental and physical functioning.

The impact and consequences for individuals diagnosed with PTSD include depression, substance abuse, violence, inability to maintain intimate relationships, inability to maintain parental relationships, suicide, and premature mortality.

PTSD is also a public health dilemma because nearly 80% of residents experience traumatic events in their lifetime.

However, due to the extremely high cost of FMRI and MEG scanners, the alternative biological methods of diagnosis of PTSD are urgently needed, especially biological diagnostic methods of PTSD for use in electronic devices.

Heart rate variability has been used for the evaluation of PTSD, however, it has limited effectiveness and is still controversial.

The most replicated structural finding is hippocampal volume reduction, which may limit the proper evaluation and categorization of experience.

Neuroimaging has accuracy close to 80-90%, but is very expensive to operate and has limited availability.

Images